MMI practice set: motivation and insight

Checked 19 October 2026 against the sources listed at the end.

We wrote every scenario here ourselves. None is a real station, none is remembered from an actual interview, and every university has its own criteria, so use them to practise thinking, not to predict an interview. The approach under each one is one strong way to organise your thinking, not the answer. Practise out loud, in your own words, and time yourself. Station formats are described by Adelaide University↗ (external link), UWA↗ (external link) and the University of Auckland↗ (external link), and UQ publishes a pre-interview briefing pack↗ (external link). For the standards doctors are held to, see the code of conduct that the Medical Board of Australia publishes, Good medical practice↗ (external link).

Some scenarios touch on stress and wellbeing. Anyone who is struggling, or who is worried about a friend, can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. In New Zealand, call or text 1737. For an emergency, dial 000 (111 in New Zealand).

Scenario 1: Why medicine and not another career?

Prompt

An interviewer asks you to explain why you chose medicine rather than another caring profession.

What it probes: Thoughtful motivation.

One strong approach

1. Describe one or two real experiences that shaped your interest.
2. Explain what you value in the work.
3. Acknowledge what you like in other careers.
4. Say what you still want to learn.

Points worth reaching

• Specific beats generic.
• Honesty about doubts shows maturity.
• Link your reasons to the day-to-day work.

Common traps

• Clichés about helping people.
• Pretending you have no doubts.

One way an answer might sound (for Scenario 1, "Why medicine and not another career?"; yours should be in your own words)

"I started thinking about it after volunteering at an aged-care home, where I saw how much it mattered when staff took time to explain things to residents' families. I also like science and problem-solving. But I could enjoy nursing or physiotherapy for similar reasons, so I asked what draws me to medicine specifically. It's the combination of long-term responsibility for a person's care and the breadth of thinking involved. I'm also realistic that it's long and demanding, and I've spoken to a doctor about that. I'm still learning, and I'd like to keep asking that question as I go."

This is a worded example of one strong approach, not the answer. Notice the order: acknowledge, ask or look for facts, weigh the people involved, choose an action, and say what you would do next.

Scenario 2: A day in the life

Prompt

You are asked what you think a junior doctor's day is really like, and whether that puts you off.

What it probes: Realistic expectations.

One strong approach

1. Describe what you know and how you learned it.
2. Name challenges such as long hours and uncertainty.
3. Explain how you cope with pressure.
4. State what keeps you interested.

Points worth reaching

• Realism is a strength.
• Show how you prepared.
• Avoid glamorising.

Common traps

• Describing only the exciting parts.
• Saying nothing could put you off.

Scenario 3: A weakness

Prompt

Tell us about a time you were not good at something and what you did about it.

What it probes: Self-awareness.

One strong approach

1. Choose a real example.
2. Describe your feelings honestly.
3. Explain what you changed.
4. Say what you learned.

Points worth reaching

• A genuine, modest weakness is better than a disguised strength.
• Show change over time.
• Keep it short.

Common traps

• Saying "I work too hard".
• Blaming someone else.

Scenario 4: A setback in your plans

Prompt

If you did not get into medicine this year, what would you do?

What it probes: Resilience and perspective.

One strong approach

1. Admit it would be disappointing.
2. Describe constructive steps.
3. Explain other paths you value.
4. Show you can accept outcomes.

Points worth reaching

• A plan B does not weaken commitment.
• Show maturity.
• Be honest.

Common traps

• Insisting you will never give up, with no plan behind it.
• Sounding bitter.

Scenario 5: A role model

Prompt

Who has influenced your view of what a good health professional is like?

What it probes: Reflection on values.

One strong approach

1. Choose a real person, not necessarily a doctor.
2. Describe what they did.
3. Say what you took from it.
4. Connect to your own behaviour.

Points worth reaching

• Detail makes it credible.
• Show reflection, not hero worship.
• Link to action.

Common traps

• Naming a famous figure you have never met.
• Staying vague.

Scenario 6: Learning from feedback

Prompt

Describe a time someone gave you feedback you did not agree with.

What it probes: Openness.

One strong approach

1. Describe the situation and feedback.
2. Say how you reacted at first.
3. Explain how you looked at it again.
4. State what changed.

Points worth reaching

• Admit your first reaction.
• Show that you considered it.
• Outcome matters less than learning.

Common traps

• Insisting you were right.
• Telling a story where you were never challenged.

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